Here are the 15 Trick and Fancy shots in the 2013 WPA Artistic Pool shot program. Let’s start off with a look at the 6 point shots, remembering you only select one out of these 3. Click on the picture to take you to the video!
Shot 1A is a classic and has been dressed up by me before. It does depend a lot on the rails, so you have to be careful selecting this one on unfamiliar tables. Shot 1B is basically straight setup. There are slight aim adjustments and you just have to shoot through the frozen object balls. Shot 1C isn’t bad either as long as the ball that goes up table gets swallowed up by the pocket. Shots 2A – 2C are the 7 point shots:
Shot 2A is a variation on the classic 4 in a Line shot. Getting the cue ball to come off just right can be tough though. Shot 2B you also have to worry about throwing one of the object balls and getting the cue ball to carom towards the side. Shot 2C is another vintage shot that always looks simple, but if you’re playing with shiny new balls, beware!
Shot 3A might look the simplest out of these, but the 4 rail kick the cue ball has to travel isn’t necesssarily a hanger. Shot 3B is the venerable Just Showing Off shot popularized by Steve Mizerak in a light beer commercial in the 70’s. While a lot of balls are in action here, it’s perhaps the easiest one of this bunch to learn. Shot 3C is half of the famous Butterfly trick shot. Getting the setup right, like in most of these shots, is crucial and can be difficult to make adjustments for.
Shot 4A involves another tricky 4 rail kick. It’s not too bad because you have a big target with the helper ball there. Shot 4B is a pinball-type shot with the cue ball going all around the table hitting different props. It’s pretty easy once you get your aim point down. Just don’t jump over the cue and make sure you align the rack just right! Shot 4C is a variation of the Classics IV shot using follow instead of draw. It’s not too bad, just watch out for how springy the cushions are otherwise you won’t get down table fast enough.
The 10 point shots are what separate the high scorers from the not-so-high scorers. Shot 5A looks odd because of the angle, but you just have to aim to cut the center ball in the corner pocket, all while applying good english on the cue ball! Shot 5B is all about precision and getting the perfect angle off the 1st ball to hit the other two. Very small adjustments are usually needed. Shot 5C can also be tricky depending on the rails and how the cloth grabs the spin. I use straight follow and try to find an angle where I can hit it as hard as I can (safely).
Intro
Discipline 1 – Trick and Fancy
Discipline 2 – Special Arts
Discipline 3 – Draw
Discipline 4 – Follow
Discipline 5 – Bank and Kick
Discipline 6 – Stroke
Discipline 7 – Jump
Discipline 8 – Masse